Jake Locker is 3-1 this year with six touchdowns and zero interceptions.(USATSI)

Titans starting quarterback Jake Locker returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since he sustained a sprained right hip and MCL in his knee on Sept. 29 against the Jets. He hasn't been ruled out for this Sunday's game against the 49ers, but Ryan Fitzpatrick is expected to make his third consecutive start.

“We’re not declaring anything,” head coach Mike Munchak said. “We’re not saying he’s out, but we’re going forward like Ryan's starting. But we want to see how fast Jake comes along. It’s exciting to see him out and practicing and all that but you just don’t know what that means. … It’s a long way from that to playing on Sunday again."

Locker was limited in practice, but participated in portions typically reserved for the backup quarterback. The team is more concerned about the third-year signal caller's knee than hip, as Locker wore a leg brace on Wednesday and was seen walking with a hitch in his step.

The Titans have a bye week after facing the 49ers, making it more likely that the team rests him Sunday and gives him time to recover before Tennessee's Nov. 3 game in St. Louis.

Locker was 3-1 as a starter before he was injured, throwing six touchdowns and zero interceptions.

The Titans have lost twice since Fitzpatrick took over. He has completed 38 of 70 passes for 416 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions.